I saw a message on a facebook thread about someone leaving due to the unhappiness over the recent developments. It left me thinking. This morning I woke up with memories of a time in my life when I was so livid with impotent rage that I could not sleep for weeks.

It was over a matter where I felt betrayed and voiceless. It concerned an institution that I had supported and loved. I would not have been so angry had I been indifferent, or not cared.

I understand your frustration.

It is just because I care so much for the forum, and those who have become dear to me on the forum that I am asking for patience.

I have had my moments of wanting to leave. This is not always an easy place, but I have stayed.

I have stayed, because it is a constant window into my beloved Kruger.I have stayed, because I have learnt so much.I have stayed, because of wider horizons.I have stayed, because it has given me a voice to express my love of nature.I have stayed, because it has opened the world of birding, photography, all creatures both great and small.I have stayed, because of friendships formed.I have stayed, because of shared laughter.I have stayed, because of other's loyalty.

I have stayed because I am richer, wiser, happier, smarter than before.

Before you walk away, wait and think. What has the forum done for you?

The bird doesn't sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.

I have never thought about leaving, and I echo all your reasons why I love the forums but then again I have never been a part of the 'old forums' people speak so fondly of. But when I joined I received a friendly PM from Matths welcoming me to the forum family. I thought this was a very kind gesture When I posted my first posts others would also welcome me! It made such a big impression on me that I did feel like I was part of the forum family! And I'm still happy to be one.

I look forward to sharing my love for nature with others! And making many friends! And welcoming many more family members

While I haven't been very active of late I have no intention and never thought of leaving the forum.I have the same feelings as you have, MM, and also keep my initial idea of what the forum represents on the web.

This forum is Sanparks door to the world and I believe this should still be it's heart and soul. Over the years it has grown, probably well beyond what was initially planned or thought, and a magnificent job was and is done to make it one of the best on the web.Of late I have seen a lot more mudslinging towards Sanparks and less of what it should all be about "Promoting South Africa's nature and beauty".

Hope things sort themselves out, even if I have a few strong doubts about this, and the forum gets back on track and returns to be a true family of nature lovers.

"You can leave Africa but Africa never leaves you"LIFE IS MADE OF GOOD AND BAD THINGS, I TAKE THE GOOD AND YOU CAN KEEP THE BAD!!!Andy Benaglia

Oumie, you and I are real oldies who somehow just stick around. Not sure how to interpret the word "oldies".

Cheetah, the forum has always had its challenges. I have seen many growing pains and many people leave. Some have left me sad; some, sadly, have not been missed because they have not added value. This is really a place where to get back what you give. I always love seeing young enthusiastic posts like your own. We need them.

Andy, you bring up such a good point, which is, "the window to the world". Before anyone presses the "submit" button, it is important to think of the audience. This does not mean band aiding, or window dressing problem, it does mean though that we need to think more carefully of consequences.

The bird doesn't sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.

Great post. I only joined this year and I already KNOW that I will not leave. You were one of the first to welcome me to the forum. While I havent met anyone in person. I have gotten to know many as tru nature lovers.

RUMURUTI wrote:This forum is Sanparks door to the world and I believe this should still be it's heart and soul. Over the years it has grown, probably well beyond what was initially planned or thought, and a magnificent job was and is done to make it one of the best on the web.Of late I have seen a lot more mudslinging towards Sanparks and less of what it should all be about "Promoting South Africa's nature and beauty".

Andy, you hit the nail on the head Consider myself a oldie and have no intention of going awayNot only did the forum give and gave me a wealth of informationBut met so many very special people and feel privilege to meet so many people on a weekly baseForumites and SANparks employees and I am very proud to promote this forum, South African National parks and especially Kruger as the best place to see animals in a extreme rare environment set aside for our generatrion and the next...and the next.

Being able to shake hands with forumites and SANparks employees is a bonus this old hand did notexpect 5 yrs ago

MM, I think all your reasons to stay pretty much echo what I feel as well, not that I have not had my moments a couple of times, but then I have usually tried the walking around the room for a while technique and even applied the 24 hour rule a time or two but as in every "family" there are bound to be disagreements from time to time and while I am still getting so much more enjoyment than frustration I would like to remain part of this wonderful family.And I would urge those who have recently left to maybe rethink the reasons and possible reconsider what you are going to lose in the long run.

Thought

The great thing in the world is not so much as where we stand but in what direction we are moving.

Meandering Mouse wrote:I have stayed, because I have learnt so much.I have stayed, because of wider horizons.I have stayed, because it has given me a voice to express my love of nature.I have stayed, because it has opened the world of birding, photography, all creatures both great and small.I have stayed, because of friendships formed.I have stayed, because of shared laughter.I have stayed because I am richer, wiser, happier, smarter than before.

On the above I agree

Sure I have thought of visiting less in moments of discouragement and sense of frustration, but when I think of all the good laughs and hilarious moments I have had with members of the forums I get stuck again

Just spent an hour catching up on all the threads in the Chill room". Talk about a misnomer - should be the "HOT room"

Thanks for this thread MM. I spent ann hour going through the "you should/i did/you could" in the other threads and it just got me depressed. What a waste of my time. No wonder the newspapers are full of sensationalism eh - when they have suckers like me who waste their time reading the stuff.

But your Question /Statement cheered me up! "Why I stay"

I stay because my visit to Kruger has to be the most amazing holiday I have had anywhere in the world and as I am not based in Africa, but a few 10,000k's away, this is how I get my fix.

Through this forum and the help of the many here I was able to plan a short but rewarding trip at an affordable price for my family. Through this forum I have grown in my love for nature and become a birder. Through this forum I have made (and met) friends here is Australia - just because we have visited the slice of heaven and love the same piece of paradise. Can't say that about many places.

And while I know in the real world it is important to debate the BIG issues I am not convinced the forum is the best means to do it as we do not seem to be able to play by the rules.

I hope this thread gets many more posts as there is so much positive energy here on the forum too.